Scotland started the match in York on the front foot, winning both triples matches, with Huntingdon bowler Brett, Rob Paxton and Mervyn King losing to Ronnie Duncan, Colin Walker and Scott Kennedy 6-1, 4-7, 0-1.

They also won the first pairs match to open up a 3-0 lead, before Brett and Paxton beat Duncan and Walker 8-3, 3-7, 1-0.

Another pairs win for England reduced the deficit to 3-2, but with just the six singles matches to go, Scotland needed to win just three, while England needed to win four.

Brett was involved in one of the most highly-anticipated contests when he took on Alex Marshall with the overall outcome still in the balance.

Brett, who is the reigning world indoor singles champion and the world No 1, was up against a six-times world indoor singles champion and the world No 2.

The match lived up to expectations, with Marshall overcoming a muscular twinge in his hip to play some impressive bowls.

Brett performed well also, but was unable to find his very best form.

Marshall won the first set 5-4 and then eased ahead in the second from 4-4, eventually winning it 8-6.

With defeats for Paxton and Jamie Chestney, England’s fate was sealed, though wins for England’s Mark Dawes, Jamie Walker and King made the final scoreline 6-5.